Junkanoo Week in the Bahamas

Arrive in Nassau for a seven-night stay at the SLS Baha Mar. Take a historical walking tour of Nassau and learn some of the history of the Bahamas, with visits to the Queen's Staircase, Parliament Square, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Have dinner at Café Matisse.

Today is a day of relaxation and chilling by the pool at the SLS Baha Mar. Enjoy a spa treatment at the ESPA Baha Mar spa. In the evening, head over to Arawak Cay for a fish fry and perhaps some live music.

Spend the day participating in the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s People-to-People Program. You’ll be paired with a Bahamian host and experience authentic island life—maybe cooking a traditional meal, visiting a local church, or hearing stories passed down through generations. It's one of the most meaningful ways to understand the heart of the country. Share a meal or drink with your host if invited; for many, it’s the best part of the trip.

Take a walking food tour of Nassau, highlighting traditional dishes and locally owned eateries. Sample conch salad, Bahamian stew fish, and rum cake, and learn about culinary heritage. Many tour providers, such as Tru Bahamian Food Tours and Ole Nassau Rum and Scenic Tour, emphasize sustainability and zero-waste efforts. Later, visit John Watling’s Distillery, set in the historic Buena Vista Estate. Their small-batch rums are produced in a restored colonial-era building. Tour the property, sip small-batch rum, and relax under Caribbean palms with a Bahama Mama. Finish with dinner on the waterfront at Lukka Kairi Waterfront Bar & Grill.

Take a boat or a short domestic flight to the Exumas, a chain of islands known for their crystal-clear waters and wildlife. Choose a tour operator like Exuma Water Sports, which is committed to marine conservation and wildlife ethics, especially when visiting the swimming pigs or snorkeling coral reefs. Visit the famous swimming pigs or snorkel in Thunderball Grotto. Opt for a stop at Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a protected area that promotes reef regeneration. Return to Nassau in time for dinner at the Meze Grill.

Spend the day exploring local markets and galleries that prioritize Bahamian-made goods. Visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas and meet artists who preserve Bahamian identity. Later, visit the Graycliff Hotel, home to a chocolate factory, where you can do a chocolate and spirits tasting. Tour the wine cellar and stroll the historic gardens, all part of a beautifully preserved 18th-century estate. Enjoy dinner at the Graycliff Restaurant, which sources ingredients locally and supports regional farmers and fishermen.

If you’re visiting during Boxing Day (December 26) or New Year’s Day, rise early or stay up late to witness Junkanoo, a street parade that celebrates art, music, and Bahamian pride. Costumed groups dance, drum, and perform all day through downtown Nassau. It is an unforgettable experience and a great way to cap off the week.